Southampton 2-1 Arsenal: Stewart and Charles send Saints into FA Cup semi-finals

Southampton 2-1 Arsenal: Stewart and Charles send Saints into FA Cup semi-finals Southampton stunned Arsenal to book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at St Mary’s. Shea Charles’ goal in the final minutes of the second half ended the Gunners’ hopes of a first cup win in six years. Ross Stewart slotted home the opener only to be cancelled out by Viktor Gyökores in the second half, but the Saints fought back admirably 50 years on from their own famous cup win.

As it happened The opening stages were evenly contested, with Arsenal enjoying more of the ball but Southampton looking the more direct and purposeful in attack. The hosts tested the defensive line early with balls played into the channels, while Arsenal probed patiently without creating clear-cut chances. Southampton made the breakthrough in the 35th minute following a moment of hesitation in the Arsenal defence.

A high ball into the penalty area was not properly cleared, allowing Ross Stewart to take control under pressure. He cushioned it on his chest, held off his marker and then calmly guided a low finish beyond the goalkeeper into the far corner to give the hosts the lead. Arsenal struggled to respond before the interval but emerged after the break with greater urgency and intent.

Their equaliser arrived in the 68th minute through a well-worked move, as a precise pass released Kai Havertz down the left channel. With the goalkeeper drawn towards him, Havertz squared the ball unselfishly across goal for Viktor Gyökeres to tap home from close range. With momentum now in their favour, Arsenal pushed forward in search of a winner, committing more bodies into attacking areas.